The Husband I Thought Was Dead Has Returned - Chapter 33

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Husband Who Should Have Died Returns Episode 033
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I felt was an unfamiliar warmth. On any other day, I would have pulled the blanket closer at the cool touch of dawn brushing my nose, but today the room was stifling—as if it were the height of summer at noon.
The moment I turned my head toward the fireplace, I doubted my own eyes. Logs were stacked like fortress walls, blazing fiercely. The heat was so intense I wondered if the maids had accidentally set a fire.
Somehow.
“…It’s like a sauna.”
I shifted my body in bewilderment, and the sensation against my skin felt different from usual. It wasn’t the light cotton blanket I’d been sleeping under until yesterday. Instead, I was covered by a heavy microfiber winter quilt—so densely packed with batting that it pressed down on my body with considerable weight.
This wasn’t like this when I slept yesterday. Was someone trying to assassinate me?
While I sat dazed, sweating profusely beneath the blanket, Yureain entered through the door.
“Did something happen at the Mansion last night, perhaps?”
“What do you mean…? Bereidan is peaceful.”
“A broken window making the Mansion cold, or something like that. Otherwise, how could…?”
I gestured toward the blanket and fireplace. The heat from the fireplace was so intense that my cheeks were completely flushed.
I didn’t need to look in a mirror to know. My face was bright red right now. And my entire body was drenched in sweat, so I’d need a bath as well.
“Madam, you’re awake? Is the room not too warm for you?”
“What is all this? And why is this blanket so heavy? It’s not just warm—it’s far too hot.”
“The Duke instructed it himself last night. He ordered that the heating in your chamber be increased and additional bedding be added.”
“Last night? What time?”
“It must have been near midnight.”
That was around the time I’d bathed Hayden and put him to sleep before falling asleep myself.
I wondered why he would do such a thing, but something clicked into place.
Yesterday in the Study, I had confessed my past before Cherez and Borgus.
Spring in the Southern Region had yet to cross its threshold. But it seemed that spring had already crossed the threshold of someone’s heart first.
I sat for a long time, absently touching the edge of the thick blanket with my fingers. A warmth spread through my chest—and it wasn’t just from the fireplace’s heat.
So this is how he offers comfort.
Rather than pleasing my ears with elegant words, he raises the temperature of my heart. I now understand that when he clumsily poured tea into my cup with his inexperienced hands, that too was his way of offering solace.
“…It’s something to be grateful for.”
Yureain smiled faintly.
“Yes, it appears so. Still, the heat is excessive now, so I’ll open the window for ventilation.”
I nodded. After opening the window and adjusting the curtains, Yureain spoke to me.
“And I’ve completed the task you instructed, Duchess. I’ve secured Linnen from among the Duchess of Hejest’s attendants, and she’s agreed to observe and report on her movements.”
“Really?”
It felt as though the oppressive heat was finally clearing.
This was an opportunity to discover what the Duchess was scheming and what actions she was taking.
“What have you learned so far?”
“It appears the Duchess of Hejest is targeting you, Duchess.”
Yureain’s expression darkened. At those words, my heart grew desolate. That was likely Roana’s heart speaking.
Within it lay the lingering affection and anger toward a mother who, unable to exploit her daughter further, was now coldly preparing to abandon her.
“…I see.”
“We’re investigating further details now, Duchess. I’ll inform you immediately if any necessary information emerges.”
I nodded.
Yureain regarded me with regret, but she could not alter my reality.
Hejest was truly a complete mess.

* * *
My days revolved almost entirely around Hayden.
“Does this taste good?”
“Mya-mya! Ba! Ah!”
Hayden opened his mouth like a baby bird and waved his tiny hand clutching the spoon about wildly.
Today’s lunch for Hayden was a baby risotto made with high-quality cheese.
“Kyuu-uu-uu-in!”
Hayden pointed at me with his spoon and giggled with delight.
“Our Hayden is the best! You did so well! Yes, I am Kyuu-in!”
Kyuu-in was far better than Mama anyway.
When I clapped, Hayden clapped along with me. I spooned the baby food into his open mouth as he made chirping sounds of joy. The cheese flavor seemed to have captivated his palate.
The cheese flavor appeared to have won over Hayden’s taste.
“You want more?”
“Mya-mya! Mya!”
I refilled the baby food for Hayden, who was tapping the empty bowl with his spoon. I was so grateful when he ate well.
My adorable little rascal.
Watching Hayden’s face covered entirely in baby food, I burst into laughter. It was a joyful moment that stood in stark contrast to everything happening in this mansion. The warmth that had begun this morning, Hayden’s laughter—it all felt like something good was about to happen.
And it truly did.
Good things really did happen.
“Duchess.”
It was Yureain.
“How are your plans for this afternoon?”
“I was thinking of taking a walk with Hayden and playing with blocks.”
“If you don’t mind, the Duke has asked if you would go out.”
“Together?”
Yureain smiled as she answered.
“Yes, Duchess.”
S-suddenly? Could it be… a d-date?
I swallowed hard. With my heart fluttering, the early spring breeze seemed to seep into my very being.
Perhaps the spring that had not yet reached the Southern Region was crossing the threshold of my heart instead.

* * *
Petunia was stationed within the Mansion, her watchful eyes ever present. An outing at such a time felt almost rebellious.
I could hardly contain my excitement.
The mere thought of going somewhere beyond Petunia’s reach sent a refreshing breeze through my previously suffocated chest.
Hayden, sated from lunch, had drifted into an afternoon slumber. In that window of opportunity, Yureain led me to the Dressing Room.
“The Dressing Room? Why…”
“This is your first outing together, is it not?”
I nodded.
“The Duchess typically prefers modest, comfortable attire on account of young master Hayden.”
I nodded again.
Yureain surveyed my Dressing Room without hesitation, then released a sigh. Why? The clothes were perfectly fine.
“For a first date, they are far too drab and plain.”
“Is a first date… really that important?”
I had lived a life devoid of romance, always relegated to the shadows by family obligations.
Yureain nodded with utmost seriousness.
“Fortunately, there are garments stored here in the Mansion.”
Yureain led me to another chamber—a world unto itself. Glittering dresses hung in abundance.
“These are dresses worn by the previous mistresses of this house. Some belonged to the young ladies as well. We shall select from among these.”
“Am I… truly permitted to wear these?”
Yureain tilted her head thoughtfully.
“It is customary for the mistress to inherit the previous mistress’s belongings. Everything here is, in essence, yours.”
All of this?
Extraordinary. I could wear a different dress every day for a lifetime and still not exhaust them. While I stood slack-jawed and bewildered, Yureain proceeded with unwavering confidence.
“For the current season, pale green and soft yellow dresses are typically preferred. Especially in the Southern Region. Newlyweds favor these hues as well.”
Is that so?
I could only blink blankly. Yureain’s vast knowledge proved invaluable here too.
“That said, we should avoid anything that diminishes the Duchess’s dignity. Hmm, I believe these three would suit you well. They complement your appearance beautifully.”
Yureain guided me to one side of the chamber, positioning me before a mirror. She held each dress beneath my chin.
“This one imparts a fresher, more vibrant impression. And then this one…”
Yureain spoke with meticulous care.
“This brings out the Duchess’s mature elegance. And finally, this last one.”
“This one.”
The words escaped my lips unbidden.
“I’ll wear this one, Yureain.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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